Robbers loot cash, valuables in Burdwan

Tension gripped Bhangakuthi area in Burdwan after two separate incidents of robbery were reported on Sunday night. Police said robbers shot at a security guard and looted valuables worth few lakhs from a car showroom in Burdwan. The incident created panic in the area with the local people protesting against the breakdown of law and order situation.

The incident occurred at around 1 am when four members of a gang stormed into the show room at Bhangakuthi area on GT Road and looted valuables and cash worth few lakh. Police said the miscreants came on motorcycles. The security guard, Asim Ta, who was on duty outside the showroom, was threatened at gun point. When the security guard refused to hand over the key, one of the gang members hit him on his head with a revolver case and tried to snatch the key. Despite being injured, the security guard did not hand over the key. One of the gang members then took out a gun and shot him from a close range before they took away the key.

The victim was later taken to Burdwan Medical College and Hospital where he has been undergoing treatment. His condition is stated to be serious.

Police said that the same gang members carried out another crime when they raided a petrol pump situated close to the car showroom. They robbed Rs 2.5 lakh cash from there. The security guard of the petrol pump Sisir Ghosh was shot in his abdomen when he tried to resist them. He was also taken to the Burdwan Medical College and Hospital. The incidents of robbery in the same area raised question on the security. The local people alleged that during night time, there was no adequate police personnel along the GT road. As a result of which the area becomes a safe haven for the criminals.

It may be mentioned that few months ago some miscreants looted cash from an ATM. Police started an investigation but they are yet to arrest anyone in this connection.